Abstract: A grout tillable prop assembly for supporting a ceiling such as the ceiling of an underground mine. The prop assembly comprising an inner member and an outer member adapted for movement between an extended use configuration and a retracted configuration, a unidirectional grout inlet in an upper part of a sidewall of the outer member to allow grout to pass into the prop, the inner member and the outer member having wall portions and being self-supporting, an air conduit through the prop having an opening adjacent an upper limit of the prop, a pressure relief valve coupled to the air conduit whereby the prop is be brought from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration by application of pressurized air through the air conduit and whereby the extended prop is filled with grout via the unidirectional grout inlet.

Abstract: A grout tillable prop assembly for supporting a ceiling such as the ceiling of an underground mine. The prop assembly comprising an inner member and an outer member adapted for movement between an extended use configuration and a retracted configuration, a unidirectional grout inlet in an upper part of a sidewall of the outer member to allow grout to pass into the prop, the inner member and the outer member having wall portions and being self-supporting, an air conduit through the prop having an opening adjacent an upper limit of the prop, a pressure relief valve coupled to the air conduit whereby the prop is be brought from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration by application of pressurized air through the air conduit and whereby the extended prop is filled with grout via the unidirectional grout inlet.

Abstract: A grout fillable prop has an inner member and an outer member adapted for movement between an extended use position and a retracted position. A grout inlet is formed in an upper part of a sidewall of the outer member to allow grout to pass into the prop. The inner member and the outer member have wall portions with plastic properties and are self-supporting. An installation fitting is fitted to the grout inlet and adapted to hold a grout filling tool without the use of separate fasteners. A one way valve is fitted to the installation fitting. The one way valve is formed of a length of lay flat hose one end of which is attached to the installation fitting. The hose locates inside the prop when the installation fitting is attached to the prop.

Abstract: A single use grout fillable telescopic mine prop has self-supporting walls with plastic properties to withstand a much greater vertical displacement before failure. The prop has a unique installation fitting and a unique grout filling tool is provided to enable the prop to be quickly and safely filled. The prop is easy to maneuver into place by two workers as the design of the prop is lightweight. The prop has superior load withstanding properties and other properties to pumpable crib bags and grout filled steel props.

Abstract: A prop, for example for supporting the roof of an underground mine, is provided in the form of a vessel. The vessel includes a base having a bottom and one or more sides. A cover, including a top and one or more sides is provided. The top includes a space for accommodating a roof bolt when installed in a mine. Sides of the cover and of the base overlap each other to a maximal extent in a collapsed configuration. A port is formed in the one or more sides for filling the vessel with material when the sides of the cover and of the base overlap each other to a minimal extent in an extended configuration. Consequently the prop is able to go from a collapsed configuration for transportation or storage, to an extended configuration for supporting the roof of the mine. The top of the vessel may comprise a flexible envelope fast with the one or more sides of the cover for receiving the filling, in order to present a deformable upper surface for bearing an uneven load.